Tests against New Zealand will be challenging – Zaheer Khan

India bowler Zaheer Khan celebrates the wicket of West Indies batsman Devon Smith during the Cricket World Cup match between India and West Indies at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 20, 2011. AFP PHOTO / Prakash SINGH (File photo)

There is plenty at stake for India in the upcoming three-match test series against New Zealand. After a successful tour of the Caribbean, India’s confidence would be sky high as the bowlers, under the astute leadership of Virat Kohli were brilliant. R. Ashwin, who bagged his 6th Man of the Series award (most for an Indian) will be a massive threat to the visiting Kiwi batsmen.

According to former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan, it won’t be a complete cakewalk for India though. At an event, Khan spoke to the press and admitted that the upcoming series against New Zealand would be quite challenging for the Indians. This is New Zealand’s first tour to India in 4 years, as they lost the 2 match series 2-0 in 2012.

“The India-New Zealand series is going to be very crucial and it is interesting to see what kind of wickets they play on, because according to me, it’s going to be an even battle,” said Zaheer. The former left-arm pacer admitted that these upcoming home tests were a great opportunity for the individuals. “It is exciting to see that so many Test matches are scheduled. This kind of season can change the whole career graph of a cricketer for better or worse. So, I hope everyone prepares accordingly,” Zaheer said.

“If you are in a positive frame of mind, your rhythm is good. Also, this kind of an opportunity doesn’t come along often. I recall playing only one season when about these number of Test matches were held, and it was a wonderful experience for me. As far as the forthcoming matches are concerned, I think the most important series is the one which they are starting with,” Zaheer added.

The three match test series against New Zealand will be followed by an ODI series against the same opposition. Post that series, England will tour for a series of 5 tests followed by Australia for an outing of 4 tests.

Sportzwiki is one of the fastest growing sports websites in India, Asia and in the world. It is a sports website to connect you to all the latest happenings in the world of sports with news and opinion based articles from various sports.